A student's reading comprehension and vocabulary help to increase her or his ability to write effectively. A technique I use in my classes, in addition to having students complete the worksheets, is to have them copy the reading before completing the worksheet. It seems that many students in my classes have lost (or never really mastered) the mechanical ability and endurance necessary to write an in-class essay. Try the exercise. Have students copy a passage from, say Adam Smith, and ask the student to read what he or she wrote. Both you and the student may be surprised.

I believe in the power of reading. The ability to read well has given me confidence; it has challenged me; it has entertained me; it has afforded me a decent living doing something I love. I hope to convey this passion to teachers and students who may use this site.

Free to Use

The worksheets are free for any teacher, student, tutor, school, or school system to download, copy, distribute, and use in any manner. The reading comprehension worksheets are in PDF files, and can be accessed through the pages dealing with the author whose work has been reproduced. Please notify me if you link to this site or find this site useful.

Classroom Uses and Differentiated Instruction

Teachers of developmental reading or writing in college can use these worksheets as supplements to their primary text. Thw worksheets can also be used as emergency substitute plans or for differentiated instruction. Each worksheet provides material that an average student should complete in about 30 minutes.

Reading Labs or Developmental Centers

Reading labs may copy the worksheets so that tutors work one on one with students on their reading and vocabulary. Alternatively, the computers in the writing center may link to this site and students can download and print the sheets as they are needed.

Private Tutors and Homeschoolers

Private tutors and homeschoolers can link to this site or download the worksheets to work with individual students. They may also be assigned as homework.

Featured Worksheets

"Southern Horrors: Lynch Laws" by Ida B. Wells

I hope you found what you needed.

Proverbs 18:15

"The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."